Sleep Dentistry

What are Sleep Disorders?

1. Snoring – is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. The sound comes from the vibration of the collapsible part of the airway where there is no rigid structure.

2. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) – is midway between primary snoring and true obstructive sleep apnea. Increased upper airway resistance in this syndrome does not lead to cessation of airflow or decrease in airflow, but instead leads to an arousal secondary to work of breathing to overcome this resistance. There is no decrease of oxygen but with measurement of airflow through the nose and mouth, there are signs of decreased breathing.

3. Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA) – is a serious condition when the airway closes many times during the night causing a reduction in oxygen levels in the body and disruptive sleep. The drop in oxygen levels causes a rise in blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances. In varying degrees, this can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and death.

What Can Dentistry Do For Me?

Good oral health care goes hand-in-hand with good positive quality of life. Dr. Miller stays up to date on the latest technology in the dental field, and loves to take continuing education classes to ensure she is well-educated on the latest techniques in dentistry.

Only a dentist can make an oral appliance.

Dr. Miller has had many hours of specific training in oral appliance therapy, and is familiar with various designs of appliances. Currently, there are over 100 FDA approved appliances available. She can determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. Dr. Miller will work with your physician as part of your medical team in your treatment and on-going care. After an initial 4 month oral appliance therapy, you will need to have a follow up sleep study to insure that the appliance is providing you with the best therapeutic results.